JP3694898B2 - Data collection device for agricultural machines - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a data collection device that collects sensor information of agricultural machines in order to grasp the work status of agricultural machines such as tractors and combines.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Accompanying rationalization of agricultural management and higher performance of agricultural machinery, various work data, for example, data such as mileage per field or per day, work area, fuel consumption, etc., are taken and compared for further work. Useful for planning is becoming increasingly important. The method that has been used in the past to collect these data is to read the values of the fuel gauge and distance meter attached to the agricultural machine at the start and end of work and calculate the difference between them. The accuracy of the collected data is low, and the data collection work and the data organization after the collection are troublesome.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In addition, in the conventional data collection method, it is necessary to always carry a work diary or work data record slip. If you forget this work diary etc., you will not be able to record data, or refer to past data. However, there are problems such as that it is not easy to take out and that it may be lost if its storage condition is bad.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is intended to obtain a device that can be easily grasped and can easily grasp the data collection status during operation without any fear of loss. Took appropriate measures.
That is, the invention of claim 1 is provided with a power ON / OFF switch (31, 32) and a display unit (23) for displaying various information, and the work data of the farm work machine is transferred to the control unit (1) of the farm work machine. of the data collecting device for agricultural working machine to collect through a communication, mounting data collector body (20a) to the communication interface unit that is installed in place of the agricultural machine (44), and freely configured remove, the mounting The unit (43) is provided with a communication interface (41) that enables a communication connection with the communication interface (40) on the unit (44) side, together with the fixing operation of the apparatus main body (20a) to the unit (44). A data collection device for agricultural machines characterized by
In the invention of claim 2, the power ON / OFF switch (31, 32) and the display unit (23) for displaying various information are provided, and the work data of the farm work machine is transferred to the control unit (1) of the farm work machine. the data collection device of agricultural working machine to collect through a communication, the data acquisition device (20) creates a data file that can be searched in the field unit, if there is an existing field data file at work resumed, the working The agricultural machine data collection device according to claim 1 , further comprising control means (21) for storing data as cumulative information.
Further, in the invention of claim 3, the power ON / OFF switch (31, 32) and the display unit (23) for displaying various information are provided, and the work data of the farm work machine is transferred to the control unit (1) of the farm work machine. in the communication data collection system agricultural working machine to collect through the said data acquisition device (20) creates a data file that can be searched in the field unit, if there is an existing field data file at work resumed, the 2. The agricultural machine data collection device according to claim 1 , further comprising control means (21) for storing work data as accumulated information.
[0005]
【Example】
Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data collection device. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a control device for an agricultural machine (for example, a tractor), which governs overall control of the traveling unit and each operating part.
Signals from the various sensors 2, operation switches 3, and setting devices 4 are input to the CPU 7 via the input interface 6, and a motor, solenoid, An output signal is output to the actuator 10 such as a valve. Necessary input information and output information are displayed on a display device 11 such as a meter or a lamp. An electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory (E ² PROM) 12 is connected to the CPU 7 via a memory interface. In the nonvolatile memory 12, a model identification code of the agricultural machine is recorded as will be described later.
[0006]
Among these sensors, the vehicle speed sensor 2A and the fuel flow rate sensor 2B generate sensor pulses according to the instantaneous value of the vehicle speed or the fuel flow rate, and communicate the sensor pulse counts n1, n2,. It is configured to transmit to the CPU 7 in pulses (see FIG. 2).
As other sensors, there are a lower link sensor, a lift arm angle sensor, a horizontal sensor and the like in the case of a tractor, and a cutting width sensor and the like in the case of a combine. These sensors are configured such that the detection signal is a direct current, and the detection signal is converted by the A / D converter 13 and then input to the CPU 7.
[0007]
Reference numeral 20 in FIG. 1 denotes a data collection device (management terminal device) that is connected to the control device 1 so as to be communicable. The data collection device 20 includes a main body 20a including a CPU 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a RAM 25, a kanji ROM 26, and the like, and a ROM card 28 and a RAM card 29 as storage media selectively attached to the main body. . The ROM card 28 individually stores a control program for each model and type of agricultural machine. The RAM card 29 can store data for each predetermined item. FIG. 11 shows an example of data items. The data collection device 20 has an appearance as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, for example. On the front surface of the box-shaped main body 20a, there are provided a power ON, OFF switch 31, 32, various operation switches 33, and input keys 34 such as kana and numerals as the operation unit 22 and a display unit 23 by liquid crystal display. The ROM card 28 and the RAM card 29 are provided with insertion slots 36 and 37 and a printer connector 38 on one side. Among the operation switches 33 are a work start switch 33a that is pressed when data collection is started, a work stop switch 33b that is pressed when work is temporarily interrupted, and a work end switch 33c that is pressed when work is finished. .
[0008]
Communication between the control device 1 and the data collection device 20 is performed via communication interfaces 40 and 41. The illustrated example is a method using optical communication, and an optical interface 41 is provided on the bottom surface of the mounting groove 43 of the data collection device main body, and the communication interface unit 44 (see FIG. 6) of the control device is the same. The optical interface is provided. When the data collection device main body 20a is attached to the communication interface unit 44, the two optical interfaces come to face each other, and information exchange between the two devices becomes possible. When communication is performed by optical communication in this way, there are advantages that the data collection device 20 can be easily attached to and detached from the agricultural machine and that good communication can be performed without being affected by vibration. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 50 is a handy printer, 51 is a card reader, 52 is a personal computer, and 53 is a printer.
[0009]
An installation location of the data collection device 20 in the case where the agricultural machine is a tractor and the surrounding configuration will be described. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the data collection device 20 is attached to the cockpit 59 in the cabin 58 of the tractor. The data collection device 20 is detachably attached together with the inclinometer 60, the radio 61, and the digital clock 62. Since the data collecting device 20 is attached to the cabin 58 near the ceiling and in front of the cockpit, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 23 can be easily confirmed.
[0010]
FIG. 8 is attached to a simple rops frame 64 instead of the cabin 58. The communication interface unit 44 is attached to the right rear lops frame 64, and the data collection device 20 is detachably attached thereto. The data collection device 20 and the communication interface unit 44 can be retrofitted. Easy to meet specifications. 65 is an instrument panel, 66 is a handle, 67 is a fender, 68 is a step, 69 is a front wheel, and 70 is a rear wheel.
[0011]
FIG. 9 is provided at the entrance / exit of the tractor. That is, the communication interface unit 44 is installed in the transparent hood 71 provided on the front side of the step 68, and the data collection device 20 is detachably attached thereto. This is effective for a space where the space around the cockpit is narrow, such as a small tractor, and the data collection device 20 is provided at a position that is easy to operate and easy to see. In the figure, reference numeral 72 is a seat, 73 is a speed change lever, and 74 is a hydraulic operation lever. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the data collection device 20 may be attached to the upper part of a fender, and is not limited to the said Example.
[0012]
A method for operating the data collection device 20 and a method for recording data will be briefly described. First, the data collection device 20 is attached to the communication interface unit 44, and the power ON switch 31 is pressed (power ON). Then, communication between the data collection device 20 and the control device 1 is started. At this time, prior to the collection of the work data, the operator inputs items (header part) serving as search keys such as the field number, operator name, and machine number, and creates a new data file. Thereafter, the work is started. The collection and recording of work data starts by pressing the work start switch 33a. At this time, the created file name is registered in the file list in the RAM card 29. The work data is recorded on the management terminal side with the start of the work. The obtained data, for example, the travel distance, the fuel consumption, the work area, and the like are temporarily stored in the RAM 25. At this time, when the work interruption switch 33b is pressed, processing based on the switch is performed. Specifically, when the agricultural machine is temporarily stopped by a meal or the like, when the work interruption switch 33b is pressed, the work data up to that point can be kept on hold. When the work is resumed, the interruption switch 33b is pushed again. When the work end switch 33c is pressed, the data written in the RAM 25 is transferred to the RAM card 29 and stored as it is. FIG. 10 illustrates the contents of the control program when the work is once interrupted and started again. The collected data is managed on a field-by-field basis and is automatically recorded in the data file associated with the date, but once the closed file is reopened and the work data is recorded, all the data recorded so far is recorded. It will disappear. In addition, when a new file is created as a separate file, the number of files increases, and some work data is divided even though the data is in the same field, making subsequent data analysis complicated and troublesome.
[0013]
Therefore, in this example, when the work is started, it is searched whether there is an existing file in the file. If there is no file, it is determined as a new file, the initial value of data is set to 0, and the file already exists. In this case, the new occurrence is cumulatively added to the data so far. For example, in the case of the work area, if the result of the work area until the interruption is S1 and the work area after the restart is S2, the total work area is S1 + S2.
[0014]
Next, the flowchart of FIG. 12 will be described.
The feature of this flowchart is that it is safe not to record work data on the RAM card with backup 29 but also to be able to store it in the non-volatile memory of the control device 1 so that the work data cannot be taken. It is the one that has improved the nature. The non-volatile memory 12 has a storage capacity of 500 to 1 Kbytes, and can take data of at least 10 fields (50 to 100 bytes used per field).
[0015]
Only the work data for the current day is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 12, and the work data up to the previous day is always deleted. When the data collection work is started by pressing the work start switch 33a, the field data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 12, and the RAM card 29 is further checked. If there is no abnormality as a result of checking the RAM card 29, the data is transferred to the RAM card 29 and recorded.
[0016]
On the other hand, if an abnormality occurs in the RAM card 29, the contents are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 23, and when the operation is completed, the data stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 is transferred to the personal computer 52, or the handy printer 50 or the like. Instruct to print.
In this way, when it is difficult to transfer data to the RAM card 29, the field data of the day can be stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 of the control device 1 , so that a problem such as loss of data does not occur, Safety is greatly increased.
[0017]
FIG. 13 is a diagram in which the control state of this apparatus monitors the communication status and notifies the operator when there is an abnormality. That is, when transmission / reception between the control device 1 on the main unit side and the data collection device 20 is not received by the control unit 1 on the main unit side even if a predetermined time elapses, a communication line interposed between the two is used. Assuming that it has been lost, the operator is notified at an early stage, and an abnormality such as data loss is notified at an early stage to prompt prompt action. As a method for notification may be in the liquid crystal display unit 23 of the management terminal unit to flow the error Se di, also specially provided lamps, you may be notified by a buzzer or the like.
[0018]
FIG. 14 illustrates the display classification between the display 11 on the side of the main unit and the display unit 23 on the side of the data collection device 20. The display 11 on the machine side displays instantaneous data such as the vehicle speed, engine speed, and PTO speed, and the management terminal displays the result of processing the sensor value detected by the sensor, for example, unit time It is configured to display the fuel consumption, the fuel consumption per unit area, the slip ratio of the fuselage, the work area, etc.
[0019]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the effect of the invention of claim 1 is that the power ON / OFF switch (31, 32) and the display unit (23) for displaying various information are provided, and the work data of the farm work machine is controlled by the farm work machine. the data collection device of agricultural working machine to collect through communication with the unit (1), fitted with a data collection device body (20a) to the communication interface unit that is installed in place of the agricultural machine (44), detachably configured The attachment portion (43) can be connected to the communication interface (40) on the unit (44) side, and can be connected to the unit (44) together with the fixing operation of the apparatus main body (20a) to the unit (44). since it is obtained by a data collection system agricultural machine, characterized in that it comprises a 41), the less likely the content displayed shake display unit (23) during the work Easy to certified, also easy to perform even switch operation. Further, when the apparatus main body (20a) is attached and fixed, communication connection is possible, so the attachment operation is simple.
In the invention of claim 2, the power ON / OFF switch (31, 32) and the display unit (23) for displaying various information are provided, and the work data of the farm work machine is transferred to the control unit (1) of the farm work machine. the data collection device of agricultural working machine to collect through a communication, the data acquisition device (20) creates a data file that can be searched in the field unit, if there is an existing field data file at work resumed, the working since the data is obtained by the agricultural machine data acquisition system according to claim 1, further comprising a control means for storing the accumulated information (21), it can inform upset communications early, Data loss can be prevented.
According to the invention of claim 3, the power ON / OFF switch (31, 32) and the display unit (23) for displaying various information are provided, and the work data of the farm work machine is transferred to the control unit (1) of the farm work machine. the data collection device of agricultural working machine to collect through the communication, when data even after the lapse of a predetermined time when communicating with the control unit (1) of the agricultural machine can not be received, the control means for notifying an error (21) the since it is obtained by the data collecting device agricultural machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, as compared to the configuration in which cumulative after creating a new data file for each interruption of the work, The number of files can be reduced and management is easy.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system block diagram.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a sensor detection method.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the data collection device.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a data collection device.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the data collection device.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a management system.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a data collection device is installed in the cabin.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a data collection device is attached to the LOSS frame.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which a data collection device is attached to the getting on / off portion of the tractor.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure of a data file.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for monitoring communication.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining display classification of data.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control apparatus 2 Sensor 3 Operation switch 4 Setting device 20 Data collection device (management terminal device)
21 CPU
22 Operation unit 23 Display unit 25 RAM
26 ROM
28 ROM card 29 RAM card 33a Work start switch 33b Work interruption switch 33c Work end switch
40 Communication interface
41 Communication interface
43 Mounting groove
44 Communication interface unit

Claims (3)

With power ON / turned OFF switch (31, 32) display unit for displaying various information (23), agricultural work the work data of the agricultural machine to collect through communication with the control unit of the agricultural machine (1) In the data collection device of the machine, the data collection device main body (20a) is attached to the communication interface unit (44) installed at an appropriate position of the agricultural machine, and is configured to be detachable. The device main body ( Agricultural equipment data comprising a communication interface (41) that enables communication connection with the communication interface (40) on the unit (44) side, together with the fixing operation of the unit (44) of 20a) Collection device. With power ON / turned OFF switch (31, 32) display unit for displaying various information (23), agricultural work the work data of the agricultural machine to collect through communication with the control unit of the agricultural machine (1) In the data collection device of the machine, the data collection device (20) creates a data file that can be searched on a per-field basis, and stores the work data as accumulated information when there is an existing field data file when the work is resumed. The data collection device for agricultural machines according to claim 1 , further comprising means (21). With power ON / turned OFF switch (31, 32) display unit for displaying various information (23), agricultural work the work data of the agricultural machine to collect through communication with the control unit of the agricultural machine (1) the data collection device of the machine, when the data even after the lapse of a predetermined time when communicating with the control unit of the agricultural machine (1) can not be received, characterized by comprising control means (21) for notifying the error 2. The data collection device for an agricultural machine according to claim 1 .

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